Press Release

Contra Costa Regional Medical Center Honored for Cancer Care

Archived.This is an older press release from 2010 and may not contain the latest information. Please view our current press releases for 2015 items.

Contra Costa Regional Medical Center's (CCRMC) Cancer Program is one of only three California hospitals to receive the 2009 Outstanding Achievement
Award from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer.

The Chicago-based Commission on Cancer recognizes accredited cancer programs that "strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer
patients." CCRMC Cancer Program Medical Director Dr. Sharon Hiner said the recognition reflects the program's commitment to quality.
"This is a great honor and it recognizes that we are a state-of-the-art facility. Not everyone knows that public hospitals like ours provide such
excellent care," Dr. Hiner said. "As the county health system, our mission is to serve the underserved and we believe our patients deserve the best care
possible. This award shows that we are doing just that."

For 41-year-old breast cancer patient Janet Morris the cancer program has been a godsend. She discovered a lump shortly after she had lost her job and
health insurance last year.

"I was a little scared about going to a county hospital, but now I feel it was the most lucky thing to happen to me because I got such wonderful
care," said Morris, who lives in Richmond. "I felt very welcome. They are so caring, competent and loving."

Not only is Morris receiving top notch care at CCRMC, she also is participating in clinical trials that give her access to some of the best new cancer
drugs.

"We are able to enroll more patients into clinical trials than some university hospitals, which means patients have access to cutting edge
treatments," Dr. Hiner said.

CCRMC's cancer program was accredited in 1987 and is part of the Contra Costa Health Services county health system. Over the past year, the cancer
program has seen a 30 percent increase in patients likely due to more awareness about the program and a jump in the number of people losing their health
insurance, Dr. Hiner said.